Editorial Event Producer Job at SEMAFOR in Washington

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Who We Are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world‑class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi‑polar world. Want to join us? Read on.

As the Editorial Event Producer, you will work closely with Semafor’s Executive Editor and live journalism team to frame editorial event concepts, craft compelling content plans and session themes and questions, and book high‑profile speakers for a range of global and national events, including signature summits, single‑topic forums, newsmaker interviews, and thought‑leader roundtables. You will use editorially‑mindful, entrepreneurial, innovative, and out‑of‑the‑box thinking to bring to life our portfolio of newsworthy and impactful high‑quality events. The role is on a full‑time, temporary basis from December 2025‑June 2026.

Your Responsibilities

• Directly end‑to‑end manage the event editorial process across research, concepting, and booking for assigned events and play a lead contributor role across each of Semafor’s marquee summits.
• Draft event editorial frameworks and session descriptions, aligning with Semafor’s editorial goals.
• Identify, research, and target compelling, diverse speakers and drive outreach with persistence, creativity, and diplomacy to secure participation from high‑profile and hard‑to‑reach individuals.
• Manage all stages of the speaker process—from research and invitations to confirmations, pre‑event briefings, and day‑of management.
• Lead the development of briefing materials for Semafor’s editorial moderators, including logistical details and suggested questions.
• Serve as the lead speaker wrangler and show manager during events, managing arrival schedules, green rooms, AV preparations, and stage flow.
• Maintain a deep rolodex of professional relationships in the business, policy/political, and communications arenas to support high‑profile speaker bookings and foster ongoing engagement for future events.

What Makes You Qualified

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• 7+ years in broadcast journalism, event content or programming development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex editorial programs across dozens of speakers and sessions.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage confidently with senior‑level executives.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, including the ability to craft compelling invitations and executive briefs.
• Strongest organizational and time‑management skills, adept at juggling multiple relationship streams.
• Knowledgeable about major business and economic trends, along with skills to translate them into mainstage moments and other convenings for executives, with assistance from the editorial team.
• An entrepreneurial drive grounded in an eagerness to learn and grow alongside the company as it continues to scale and evolve.
• Passion for the media industry and great journalism.

Additional Job Details

This position is based in Washington, DC, or New York, NY, Monday through Thursday onsite in Semafor’s offices. Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and travel domestically and internationally on an as‑needed basis.

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full‑time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as‑needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Salary Range

Starting at $50.00 an hour. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.